Konark Travel Information

This crowning piece of Orissan Architecture and Sculpture, built in the ]3th century A.D., the golden era of Orissan art, is a poetry in stone and a world heritage monument. The Mukh'ashala, or entrance hall continues to interest both devotees and visitors. The walls of this magnificent ruin have exquisite sculptures covering many aspects of life. Scenes of love and war, trade and court transactions, hunting, catching of elephants, teaching of sages, amorous dalliances, dancers and mythicalfigures- all vie for attention on the panels and niches of this immortal work of art.

Surasundaris, heavenly damsels, freestanding, larger-than-life monoblock female statues playing the cymbals, drums, flutes or trumpets, adorn the top of the temple. Beautifully-carved couples engaged in myriad modes of amorous union, with their incomparable charms, are also attractions for connoisseurs of art as well as ordinary visitors.

Everyday the Sun God risesfrom the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts Hisfirst gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the Morning Sun, the Mid- day Sun and the Setting Sun. The colossal figures of the war elephants holding aloft a dazed soldier or the lions guarding the entrance to.the temple or the enraged war-horses trampling i hooves afqllen warrior- the la-stfittill as the emblem of the State- are a testimony of Orissa's war time glory. And above all, the twenty four giant wheels of this temple-chariot, symbolising the divisions of time with their intricate carvings on the spokes and the axleheads, the seven caparisoned horses representing seven colours of the Sun, the Nabagraha or Nine- 'planet panel are living pieces of the glory of Orissa's past, frozen for a moment on the shores of time. Konark is a many splendoured gem of Orissan art. Its beauty is not for description in words. It is to be seen, enjoyed and savoured, not once but again and again, for it is truly a thing of beauty, a joy for ever.

Konark Festival
The Konark Festival held from Ist to 5th December everyyear in the amphitheatre is a most exciting dance events of the country. The festive nights serve the essential purpose of highlighting an i . mportantfacet of India's composite culture. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple looks breathtaking when illuminated in the evenings.

Museum
Run by Archaeological Survey of India, the Museum has an-excellent collection of sculptures from the temple ruins.

The Beach
A short walk, ride or drive from Konark, takes one to the beach known as Chandrabhaga, unspoilt by time and men. Quieter than Puri beach, it offers beautiful sunrise and sunset.

Excursions

Ramachandi (8 km)
Temple of Goddess Ramachandi on the confluence of river Kushabhadra with the sea and also a nice picnic spot.

Beleswar (20 km)
Saiva shrine and sea beach.

Balighai (25 km)
Sea beach and Sea Turtle Research Centre.

Kapileswar (10 km)
Saiva shrine on desolate sand dunes.

Kurum (8 km)
Excavated Buddhist site.

Kakatapur (25 km)
Shrine of Goddess Mangala on river Prachi.

Chourasi (35 km)
Temple of Goddess Barahi, a typical order of temple architecture.

How to Reach There

Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport-65 km. Indian Airlines has flights from Delhi, Calcutta, Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

Rair & Road : The nearest railheads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri on Marine Drive, Konark is connected by good all - weather motorable roads. Public and Tourist bus services and taxis are available.

Gopalpur Travel Information

Hardly 16 km from Berhampur, the hub of Southern Orissa, is the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. Enjoying the reputation of being a popular Beach Resort of Orissa, the deep and clear blue waters instantly provoke those who are good swimmers. The temptation of bathing here is irresistible. Not-so-good swimmers take the hands of the Nolias (local fishermen who help bathers) and enjoy a pleasant bath. White surf splashing on the golden sands makes Gopalpur-on-Sea as one of the finest beaches on the eastern coast. A fascinating haunt for avid beach combers and sea worshippers, it is a splendid retreat.

Watching the life on the beach is also exciting. The fishermen pulling their catch or mending their nets add local colour. Beautiful objects made of seashells available in abundance are worth buying souvenirs for decorating a Drawing Room or giving some one a Present. Sand sculptures here and there made by some local artists are a feast to the eyes. Mouth watering sea food, especially fish from the deep sea, satisfy the hungry stomach. Green-coconuts quench the thirst.

Intense heat of the summer is temperated by the sea breeze in the fantastic quietness of the beach amidst palm, coconut and casuarina trees.

Gopalpur was once buzzing with maritime activities which Orissa is known for ages. It was one of the outlets through which early settlers of South East Asia sailed off. It was a famous and popular seaport during the British Rule till about 1942 when it ceased to operate due to the second world war and separation from Burma (now Myanmar). The crumbling walls and pillars and the light house stand witness to the past port. Remains of several bungalows and mansions belonging to the European merchants give the place a colonial look. A modern port is being developed here to revive the lost glory.

A trip to Gopalpur-on-sea is a rewarding experience of sun and sea, fun and frolick.

How To Reach There

Road :
Gopalpur is well connected by an excellent all-weather road which branches off from the NH 5 on the outskirts of Berhampur (16 km). Regular bus services are available. Taxis and Autorickshaws are also available.

Rail :
Nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km) on the S.E. Rly. served by a number of fast trains on Kolkata-Chennai route.

Air :
Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (190 km) and Visakhapatnam (260 km)

Cuttack Travel Information

One of Orissa's oldest cities ( Abhinaba Baranasi Kataka of medieval times), Cuttack is a bustling commercial centre, situated on the delta formed by the Mahanadi and Kathjori rivers. The legendary engineering skills of the ancient Orissans are not only featured in their wonderful temples but also can be seen in the llth century AD stone embankments on the Kathjori river.

The ruins of the Barabati fort, on the bank of the Mahanadi, evoke memories of bygone days, while the fort's location is home to a modern stadium which rings with the sounds of sports events and cultural programmes today. The venerated shrine of Katak Chandi is at a strolling distance from the fort area.

The Qadam-i-Rasool has the unusual element of being venerated by both Muslims and Hindus. The shrine has a high compound wall and towers at each corner. There are three mosques within with elegant domes and a Nawabat KhanaC music gallery) built in the 18th century AD. The central dome structure has the footprints of Prophet Mohammad imprinted on a circular stone.

Cuttack also offers excellent shopping facilities. Handicrafts and textiles, both in silk and cotton from the Cuttack region and elsewhere in Orissa are available in the state emporia. But Cuttack is best known for its excellent silver filigree work which is fashioned into exquisite jewellery, utensils and decorative items. Cuttack is 30 km from Bhubaneswar.
 

Bhubaneshwar Travel Information

Bhubaneswar, the 'Cathedral City' was once the capital of an ancient kingdom. Today this hustling centre for commerce and religious activity is Orissa's modern capital. Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern aspirations, it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle that incorporates the holy city of Puri and Konark, for the tourists that flock to pay their homage to the religious, cultural and natural wonders that abound here.

The striking features of the city are the numerous temples and shrines that seem to be all around you. Bhubaneswar's skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink transluscence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-cultural permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient cultural strength of Orissa and are well-worth exploring at greater length.

At least four of Bhubaneswar's temples must be on the tourist's agenda, to get a feel of the dynamic artistry and development of their indigenous perfection.

The temples have after all stood testimony to the area's history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. An interesting variation figures in the Vaital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, ic can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside.

The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection of archaeological artefacts, weapons and local arts and crafts and insights into Orissa's natural and tribal history. The museum has world's largest collection of palm-leaf paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird's eye view of the State's tribal heritage. The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) has about 500 acres of plantations, tissue culture and experimental laboratory and a huge lake where migratory birds make their home. The two unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country (an area of 20 acres) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia.

Bhubaneswar is a shopper's delight. Sarees woven by the master weavers in silk and cotton are available in the private shops and government emporia. You can also pick up all kinds of artefacts and jewellery produced in different parts of the State. The I landloom Weavers Co-operative is worth a visit. Bhubaneswar has excellent air and rail linkages with most major cities in the country.